Congressman Grijalva Loses Battle with Cancer; Hobbs Calls for Replacement Election

By Staff Reporter |

Democratic Congressman Raúl Grijalva passed away early Thursday morning at 77, succumbing to complications from cancer. Grijalva had held his congressional seat since 2003, announcing this term would be his last.

While his office later confirmed the news of his death via social media, a post criticizing the Trump administration was shared just hours earlier by his staff. That post highlighted substantial layoffs within the Department of Education, with Grijalva’s aides labeling the action “reckless” and “illegal.” They argued it risked essential student aid programs and civil rights protections.

Grijalva’s staff claimed the layoffs could deprive millions of critical educational resources. Specific figures were cited from the American Federation of Teachers, suggesting significant funding impacts across various student demographics. Nonetheless, these estimates assumed a complete abolition of the Department of Education, a scenario that had not yet occurred.

Concerns have been raised regarding Grijalva’s representation of his constituents, especially following his lung cancer diagnosis earlier this year. His attendance during pivotal votes dwindled significantly, as he missed a vast majority of them since his diagnosis.

This absence was notable in the current legislative session, where Grijalva participated in only the first day. He did not cast votes for 69 of 71 roll calls, attributing his lack of engagement to the Republican majority’s control over Congress.

Despite his declining health, Grijalva made headlines by suggesting that President Biden should consider stepping aside from his reelection bid. He expressed concern for the party’s future by advocating for alternative candidates to emerge.

His mixed messages on Biden’s candidacy drew attention, showcasing a departure from his earlier social media support for the president. The timeline of events raises questions about the level of control his staff maintained over his office, particularly in the wake of his passing.

In response to Grijalva’s death, Governor Katie Hobbs announced the scheduling of special elections to fill the vacancy in Congressional District 7. A primary election is set for July 15, 2025, followed by a general election on September 23, 2025.

These special elections will adhere to federal law, which mandates that vacancies in the U.S. House of Representatives be filled through state-specific procedures.